PDI’s H’wood columnist honored by pro-diversity group

Ruben V. Nepales

Entertainment writer Ruben V. Nepales, whose thrice-weekly “Only IN Hollywood” column appears in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, was honored last week for journalism by an American nonprofit organization in a ceremony held in New York.

The columnist and his wife, Janet, received the joint honor, given by the Friends of the Philippines Society USA, on May 11. The group aims to “empower a multicultural society by promoting and developing programs and projects that [address] relevant social issues inherent in a rapidly changing world.”

At the ceremony, the accolade was presented by “Miss Saigon” star, Jon Jon Briones. “They are the much-needed allies for us artists … they’ve been doing this for a lot of people in our industry,” Briones said in his speech.

In his acceptance speech, Ruben said that while he writes about Hollywood talents, he’s happiest “when I am writing about Filipinos and Fil-Ams making it in the world stage.”

Ruben dedicated the journalism honor to family members who keep them “grounded,” and added, “This boy from Pangasinan still could not believe that I’m here standing before you … I emigrated to the United States 33 years ago on May 5, and it was really tough … to start all over again.” —OLIVER PULUMBARIT